Bio

Ana Maria Madeira Martins Faísca Phillips was born in Vila Real de Santo António, Algarve, Portugal.

School education: Angola and RSA

University degrees: 
    BSc, University of the Witwatersrand, 1981
    BSc (Honours), University of the Witwatersrand, 1982 
    MSc (Analytical Chemistry), University of Pretoria, 1987  
    PhD (Organic Chemistry), Univeristy of Pretoria, 1991

Experience:        

Pre-doctoral: Pharmaceutical Division, South African Bureau of Standards, RSA (1983-1985); National Research Laboratory, CSIR, Pretoria, RSA (1985-1987); University of Pretoria, RSA (1988-1992).

Post-doctoral:   University of the Witatersrand (1992-1993); Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa  (1995-1997); Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, UNL (1998); Sidefarma (Asta Medica, Frankfurt) & Universidade do Minho  (1999-2000); FCT-UNL (2000-present).

Past research activities have involved development of methodology for the synthesis of novel phosphonates, the synthesis of triselenopentalenes, the synthesis of indole derivatives with potential biological activity, peptidomimetics, and transition metal-catalyzed processes for the synthesis of lactones.

More recently the research emphasis has been on the design of novel ligands and catalysts from renewable sources, and homogeneous catalysis and organocatalysis for the synthesis of chiral intermediates or targets with potential biological activity: antibiotics, anti-inflamatories, antimalarials.

A selection of recent publications is listed under Publications.

Examples of past research in phosphonate chemistry: